His Excellency Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta C.G.H., Sworn in As the President of the Republic of Kenya

Today, 28th November 2017, His Excellency Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in as duly elected president of the Republic of Kenya in a colorful event that was attended by thousands of Kenyans in Nairobi.
While taking the oath of office for his second and final five-year term the President thanked Kenyan voters for having been the most important players in the election and for their role in strengthening Kenya’s democracy. He also welcomed friends and partners of Kenya, from the region and beyond, who spared their invaluable time to attend the celebrations.

The Head of State informed that during the first term, his Government had achieved a number of things including entrenching devolution hence delivering government to the people, built a firm foundation for economic take-off, made aggressive reforms to its business environment that has made the country the fastest-improving business environment in the world, embarked on building an entirely new world-class railway system as well as thousands of kilometres of access roads to connect producers to markets among other things.

President Uhuru informed that in his second and final term as President, he will dedicate all his energies and that of his Administration towards achieving two principal objectives over the next 5 years namely strengthening the ties that bind Kenyans at every level of the society and target 100% Universal Healthcare coverage for all households.

He also added that his Government will facilitate affordable housing and a home-ownership programme, focus on attracting investments from both public and private sources, implement policy and administrative reforms which are targeted at lowering the cost of construction and improve the accessibility of affordable mortgages.

The following are some notable quotes from his speech:

“I too listened carefully to my competitors, and, in the spirit of inclusivity, I will endeavor to incorporate some of their ideas. This is because the election was not a contest between a good dream and a bad dream; it was a contest between two competing visions. I believe that those who voted for me chose the better vision. This, however, does not invalidate the aspirations of those who did not vote for me.”

“I undertake to be the custodian of the dreams of all and to be the keeper of the aspirations of those who voted for me and those who did not. I will be the President of all. And I will devote my time and energy to build bridges to unite and bring prosperity to all Kenyans.”

“Today, I ask every leader to join me in serving Kenyans without regard to political affiliation or choice – every Kenyan deserves our full attention.”

“However serious our grievances, the law must reign supreme. The law should be the refuge for every Kenyan. None of us should break outside the law, or constitutional order, whatever our grievances or protestations.”

“The IEBC, the courts, our security agencies – all our institutions have been stretched, some almost to breaking point, by the cut and thrust of politics. But they have held.”

“When the dust settled after the August 8th election, it was abundantly clear that Kenyans had given the Jubilee Party and its affiliates an overwhelming mandate to execute its agenda. You gave us 62 percent of all governors; 61 percent of all Members of the National Assembly, including women representatives; 58 percent of the Senators; and 55 percent of the membership of the county assemblies, from every region of the country”

“From 1st December 2017, the power tariffs charged to manufacturers will be reduced by 50 percent between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. This in line with our policy of a 24-hour economy”

“We shall reach out to our key trading partners to work with us to achieve a win-win outcome that enables Kenyans to get the most out of their products.”

“We have learned that in the fight against international terrorism, free and democratic nations are allies against a common enemy. We will continue to fight together, to share our knowledge, and to support our allies. As we have for half a century, we will work for peace in our region, for that is what a good neighbour”

“As a mark of our continued commitment to you, our Brothers and Sisters in the East African Community; from today, you will be treated like Kenyans. Like your Kenyan brothers and sisters, you will need only your identity card. You can now work, do business; own property, farm and if you wish, and find a willing partner, you can marry and settle in Kenya. And this commitment we make with no conditions for reciprocity but driven by our desire for deeper regional integration. As l welcome you l remind you that equally, you shall be subject to the same rules and laws as your Kenyan brothers and sisters.”